What do you think?
Rate this book
Mandate of Myth
In the heart of Shanghai, the boundary between myth and reality is breaking. Mei Lin Huang, heir to an ancient bloodline, and Jack Roth, an American professor pulled into a war he doesn’t understand, must stand against gods and monsters determined to remake the world. Blending Chinese and Greek mythology with fast-paced action and simmering tension, Mandate of Myth is a thrilling fantasy where every choice could tip the balance between survival and destruction.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2025
4 people want to read
About the author
Ashlee Mack
51 books12 followersI’m an indie author who writes because I love it. I work on my own and learn as I go, and each book is something I put a lot of heart into. Well, maybe not my first book!
Most of my ideas come from traveling, being outside, cultural misunderstandings, or just paying attention to everyday life. When I am not writing, I am usually on a trail somewhere, enjoying a good cup of coffee, or with my dog.
I appreciate everyone who takes the time to read my work. Your support helps me keep going, and I’m truly thankful for it.
Most of my ideas come from traveling, being outside, cultural misunderstandings, or just paying attention to everyday life. When I am not writing, I am usually on a trail somewhere, enjoying a good cup of coffee, or with my dog.
I appreciate everyone who takes the time to read my work. Your support helps me keep going, and I’m truly thankful for it.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 2, 2025
This book was given to me as an answer to my open call for ARCs. So, thank you to the author.
This book is not my preferred type, though I have read a decent amount within this genre. I would call it magical realism or something similar. There were more than a few lines that stood out to me because they flowed so well. They1 were memorable and unique ddescriptions, great turns of phrase, and decent dialogue. The concept is interesting, blending mythologies and gods, in a similar way to a Rick Riordan book. Overall the prose was decent, I would say average for the genre, and at times above average. The plot was simple enough that it should have been easy to follow, but for some reason I can't pin I found myself struggling to follow it. I followed the first half of the book fine, but the nature of the later half had paragraphs that seemed to jump around and leave me behind. The ending confrontation also left a bit to be desired, but it is a notoriously difficult moment to hit. I think some of this could've been mitigated with more explanation of abilities. There were a few times where a character did something that I had no idea they could do, something that should've been a game-changer but never reappeared.
Its a decent book, but feels a bit unrefined to me. The action reads a bit flat, and the plot jumbles toward the end. It does have some standout lines on occasion though in the prose department.
This book is not my preferred type, though I have read a decent amount within this genre. I would call it magical realism or something similar. There were more than a few lines that stood out to me because they flowed so well. They1 were memorable and unique ddescriptions, great turns of phrase, and decent dialogue. The concept is interesting, blending mythologies and gods, in a similar way to a Rick Riordan book. Overall the prose was decent, I would say average for the genre, and at times above average. The plot was simple enough that it should have been easy to follow, but for some reason I can't pin I found myself struggling to follow it. I followed the first half of the book fine, but the nature of the later half had paragraphs that seemed to jump around and leave me behind. The ending confrontation also left a bit to be desired, but it is a notoriously difficult moment to hit. I think some of this could've been mitigated with more explanation of abilities. There were a few times where a character did something that I had no idea they could do, something that should've been a game-changer but never reappeared.
Its a decent book, but feels a bit unrefined to me. The action reads a bit flat, and the plot jumbles toward the end. It does have some standout lines on occasion though in the prose department.
October 10, 2025
This book is smart, tense, and full of mythological depth. It’s also just a fantastic, propulsive read. It almost makes you want to take a closer look at the world, like the world around you might be hiding more than it lets on. It’s engaging, fast, and atmospheric. I truly, absolutely loved it.
Mei Lin’s sense of duty vs. doubt makes her incredibly relatable, even as she’s pulled into something much bigger than herself. Also, Jack’s perspective keeps the story grounded and watching him go from structured and normal to seeing the hidden layers of the city was perfect.
The mix of everyday life and old myths is done so well. If you like myths, legends, and action stories, this one’s for you.
Mei Lin’s sense of duty vs. doubt makes her incredibly relatable, even as she’s pulled into something much bigger than herself. Also, Jack’s perspective keeps the story grounded and watching him go from structured and normal to seeing the hidden layers of the city was perfect.
The mix of everyday life and old myths is done so well. If you like myths, legends, and action stories, this one’s for you.
November 11, 2025
Mandate of Myth is unlike any fantasy novel I have ever read - gorgeous, immersive, and original. Ashlee Mack writes with a poet’s precision and a mythmaker’s vision.
Her prose shimmers with sensory richness, bringing to life the pulse of modern Shanghai and the echoes of ancient gods. Every sentence gleams.
At its core, this is a story about faith and reason, love and duty, the mortal and the divine. Mei Lin Huang, heir to an ancient bloodline, and Jack Roth, the American scholar caught in a battle he barely understands, are conduits between worlds.
Their chemistry hums beneath the surface, shaped as much by longing as by shared destiny. The mythology is breathtaking: Chinese and Greek pantheons entwined in a city that never sleeps, where stone lions guard liminal spaces and gods move unseen through neon-lit streets.
The writing itself thrilled me to the marrow with lines like “Each of our hearts is a bridge between realms” or “She pressed the letter to her chest, the move both armor and indulgence.”
Even ordinary moments - a traffic jam, a letter read in silence, the twilight over Shanghai - are imbued with an aching beauty.
Mandate of Myth is about the burden of being “chosen,” the fragility of connection, and the courage it takes to listen when the world speaks in symbols. By the final pages, as the storm gathered over the harbor and the dragon’s claw reached down toward the city, I felt as if I’d witnessed something sacred.
This book hums with electricity and heart. If you love lyrical fantasy that respects intellect and emotion, Mandate of Myth will leave you spellbound. Loved it!!
Her prose shimmers with sensory richness, bringing to life the pulse of modern Shanghai and the echoes of ancient gods. Every sentence gleams.
At its core, this is a story about faith and reason, love and duty, the mortal and the divine. Mei Lin Huang, heir to an ancient bloodline, and Jack Roth, the American scholar caught in a battle he barely understands, are conduits between worlds.
Their chemistry hums beneath the surface, shaped as much by longing as by shared destiny. The mythology is breathtaking: Chinese and Greek pantheons entwined in a city that never sleeps, where stone lions guard liminal spaces and gods move unseen through neon-lit streets.
The writing itself thrilled me to the marrow with lines like “Each of our hearts is a bridge between realms” or “She pressed the letter to her chest, the move both armor and indulgence.”
Even ordinary moments - a traffic jam, a letter read in silence, the twilight over Shanghai - are imbued with an aching beauty.
Mandate of Myth is about the burden of being “chosen,” the fragility of connection, and the courage it takes to listen when the world speaks in symbols. By the final pages, as the storm gathered over the harbor and the dragon’s claw reached down toward the city, I felt as if I’d witnessed something sacred.
This book hums with electricity and heart. If you love lyrical fantasy that respects intellect and emotion, Mandate of Myth will leave you spellbound. Loved it!!
October 9, 2025
Ashlee Mack weaves Greek and Chinese mythologies into a stunning fantasy tapestry hidden beneath contemporary Shanghai. I wasn't familiar with this author before picking up Mandate of Myth but the writing displays a surprisingly mature style that avoids the typical pitfalls of debut fiction. The world-building is extraordinary, with each chapter immersing you deeper into a meticulously crafted realm where ancient pantheons collide. The story follows Mei Lin Huang, a warrior with supernatural powers, and Jack Roth, a foreign scholar who finds himself in the middle of a conflict he never knew existed. Bonds are forged, hidden layers explored, and the very boundaries of realities tested as the duo races to stop an otherworldly menace.
The novel's opening leans heavily on description, occasionally slowing momentum, so approach with patience while the author establishes this intricate framework. However, once the plot accelerates, it becomes unstoppable. The political maneuvering between divine factions adds unexpected sophistication, far beyond expectations for stock mythological fantasy. There is real substance to the story: genuine conflict gives weight to every decision, and the payoff is worthwhile. Recommended for fans of modern urban fantasy (and mythology nerds like myself).
The novel's opening leans heavily on description, occasionally slowing momentum, so approach with patience while the author establishes this intricate framework. However, once the plot accelerates, it becomes unstoppable. The political maneuvering between divine factions adds unexpected sophistication, far beyond expectations for stock mythological fantasy. There is real substance to the story: genuine conflict gives weight to every decision, and the payoff is worthwhile. Recommended for fans of modern urban fantasy (and mythology nerds like myself).
November 21, 2025
Mandate of Myth is a beautifully crafted and deeply imaginative novel that weaves together myth, modernity, and magic. The story is set in the vibrant city of Shanghai. It introduces Mei Lin Huang, heir to an ancient bloodline, whose life is suddenly turned upside down when the boundary between myth and reality begins to fracture. Her partner is Jack Roth, an American professor who is pulled into a war he doesn’t fully understand, yet his courage and intellect make him a compelling partner to Mei Lin.
What makes this book truly special is authors’s ability to blend Chinese and Greek mythology seamlessly, creating a unique mythological tapestry. The stakes are high, with gods and monsters threatening to remake the world, but the author never loses sight of the human cost. Characters are not ideal, they have their flaws, but are both courageous. Mei Lin’s sense of duty and heritage feels real and burdensome, while Jack’s outsider perspective and growing commitment bring emotional depth.
The pacing is of the book excellent, action scenes are gripping without overshadowing quieter, more reflective moments. There’s a lovely tension between destiny and personal choice. The worldbuilding is vivid, from the busy streets of Shanghai to the more ethereal, mythic realms, and you can feel the collision of these worlds.
The book is a perfect pick for readers who love mythology, strong character arcs, and stories where the magic is as dangerous as it is wondrous. Highly recommended.
What makes this book truly special is authors’s ability to blend Chinese and Greek mythology seamlessly, creating a unique mythological tapestry. The stakes are high, with gods and monsters threatening to remake the world, but the author never loses sight of the human cost. Characters are not ideal, they have their flaws, but are both courageous. Mei Lin’s sense of duty and heritage feels real and burdensome, while Jack’s outsider perspective and growing commitment bring emotional depth.
The pacing is of the book excellent, action scenes are gripping without overshadowing quieter, more reflective moments. There’s a lovely tension between destiny and personal choice. The worldbuilding is vivid, from the busy streets of Shanghai to the more ethereal, mythic realms, and you can feel the collision of these worlds.
The book is a perfect pick for readers who love mythology, strong character arcs, and stories where the magic is as dangerous as it is wondrous. Highly recommended.
October 16, 2025
Mandate of Myth is a vivid and ambitious fantasy that blends Chinese and Greek mythology against the sleek, electric backdrop of Shanghai. Ashlee Mack’s world-building is immersive and cinematic, filled with divine politics, mythic power struggles, and an undercurrent of tension that builds with every chapter.
Mei Lin Huang and Jack Roth make a fascinating pair. Mei’s strength and quiet ferocity balance Jack’s academic skepticism, and watching their paths collide in a city where gods still move unseen is one of the book’s greatest pleasures. The mythological fusion feels fresh and grounded, and the political and emotional layers add genuine weight to the story.
The pacing starts slow as the world unfolds, but the payoff is worth it. By the midpoint, the stakes rise sharply, and the story becomes impossible to put down. Thoughtful, richly written, and full of imagination, this is an urban fantasy that earns its mythic title.
Mei Lin Huang and Jack Roth make a fascinating pair. Mei’s strength and quiet ferocity balance Jack’s academic skepticism, and watching their paths collide in a city where gods still move unseen is one of the book’s greatest pleasures. The mythological fusion feels fresh and grounded, and the political and emotional layers add genuine weight to the story.
The pacing starts slow as the world unfolds, but the payoff is worth it. By the midpoint, the stakes rise sharply, and the story becomes impossible to put down. Thoughtful, richly written, and full of imagination, this is an urban fantasy that earns its mythic title.
October 8, 2025
Mandate of Myth is a visually rich and immersive tale that blends Greek and Chinese mythology. The world-building is the book’s greatest strength. You feel like you’re stepping into a fully fleshed-out world with every chapter.
However the book can be overly descriptive at times. The first chapter especially feels weighted down by lengthy exposition and little white space, which dragged the pacing before the plot takes off.
That said, once the story picks up momentum, the book finds its rhythm. The surprising political intrigue kept me hooked and there’s a real conflict at the heart of it all.
So while the early chapters may require patience, the later parts of the book really picks up and offers a satisfying payoff
However the book can be overly descriptive at times. The first chapter especially feels weighted down by lengthy exposition and little white space, which dragged the pacing before the plot takes off.
That said, once the story picks up momentum, the book finds its rhythm. The surprising political intrigue kept me hooked and there’s a real conflict at the heart of it all.
So while the early chapters may require patience, the later parts of the book really picks up and offers a satisfying payoff
December 11, 2025
The novel is a richly layered urban fantasy in which Eastern and Western mythologies intertwine seamlessly within a modern Shanghai setting. The world-building is confident and immersive, moving from bustling street markets and hidden underground realms to ancient pacts between gods. Mei Lin is not an idealized heroine but a rational, disciplined protagonist bound by family legacy, which makes her journey both credible and emotionally grounded. The story's greatest strength lies in its atmospheric tension and its use of myth as a mirror for human choice, highlighting the conflict between destiny and responsibility. This is a compelling read for fans of mature, culturally infused fantasy that values depth, philosophy, and character over spectacle alone.
October 28, 2025
In my search for new indie authors like me. I found Mandate of Myth, a very smart urban fantasy that combines Chinese and Greek Mythology, perfect for someone like me who loves this type of book.
The author created her world into a brilliant Shanghai, where Mei and Jack, the main characters could develop their roles. Mack also created secondary characters that helped to develop the lore.
Ashlee debut story was a brilliant surprise, as an indie author, I tend to support my colleagues, but this could easily be a bestseller story.
The author created her world into a brilliant Shanghai, where Mei and Jack, the main characters could develop their roles. Mack also created secondary characters that helped to develop the lore.
Ashlee debut story was a brilliant surprise, as an indie author, I tend to support my colleagues, but this could easily be a bestseller story.
November 17, 2025
A clever mix of Greek and Chinese mythology set in a very cool Shanghai backdrop. The world-building is strong and the story becomes more and more addictive as it moves forward. I liked the dynamic between the two main characters and how the plot slowly opens up into something bigger. A bit descriptive in the beginning, but once it picks up, it really delivers. Overall, fresh, creative, and definitely worth reading.
November 4, 2025
Killer book, I loved it a lot! It’s a smart mix of action, history, and myth with just the right amount of suspense. The story moves fast but still digs deep into culture and belief in a many different ways, I even learned a few things I didn’t know before. If you like books that balance adventure with deeper themes, this is a great pick.
October 23, 2025
The book crafts a digital mythology combining Western and Eastern fantasy in the streets of Shangai.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews